Sitting around a table enjoying happy hour with a couple of my brother’s friends, I casually mentioned that I had attended a performance of The Marriage of Figaro and really enjoyed it. One friend, who I shall do the service of not naming, said “Anna, I didn’t realize you attended operas!” “Oh!,” I replied, “it’s one of the great perks of working at San Francisco Opera—I get to see every production we do!” “Wait,” he said, “you work at the Opera?” He started laughing, and unfortunately continued: “I imagine you and seven other people crammed around a table sewing a bustier or something.”

As we get ready for the 2012-13 Season and the 90th anniversary of San Francisco Opera, we thought it would be fun to share some interesting factoids on the Company. This is by no means a comprehensive list--we could go on for days but we've got a show to put on! However, we are open to suggestions, what other by the number facts would you like to know? Post your question on our Facebook page or send us a Tweet.

Much like baseball fans, we here at San Francisco Opera count down the days until the opening of the Fall 2012 opera season. But as we were strolling around the City, enjoying the last days of summer, we realized that San Francisco was practically tailor-made for the five fall operas. We found so many connections between our beloved city and the fall season that we had to share them!

On Sunday, August 19, The San Francisco Opera Orchestra, along with a group of Adler Fellows, joined soprano Leah Crocetto and tenor Michael Fabiano to present a concert of arias and duets at the Stern Grove Festival. Our annual concert at Stern Grove is always a favorite of bay area crowds, but this one was even more special since Stern Grove is celebrating their 75th Anniversary. The concert was a great success and a fun afternoon for everyone involved. Take a look at a selection of photos from the event and you'll see what we mean. All photos by Scott Wall.

Last Thursday on August 16th, the San Francisco Opera's BRAVO! Club officially kicked off the 21th Annual Opening Gala under the glitz and glamor of the CODE Salon and The Factory Label. Over 150 BRAVO! Gala ticket holders and their guests were invited to celebrate this year's Gala in style.

Introduction

Backstage at San Francisco Opera is a fascinating, fast-moving, mysterious and sacred space for the Company’s singers, musicians, dancers, technicians and production crews. Musical and staging rehearsals are on-going, scenery is loaded in and taken out, lighting cues are set, costumes and wigs are moved around and everything is made ready to receive the audience. From the principal singers, chorus and orchestra musicians to the creative teams for each opera, in addition to the many talented folks who don’t take a bow on stage, this blog offers unique insight, both thought-provoking and light-hearted, into the life backstage at San Francisco Opera.